Having a peaceful evening at home with her husband, Stephen, was something that Margaret was looking forward to. They had first seen each other during their time at the university, and her father, Robert, had never been on board with the connection from the beginning.
The reason for his disdain was not based on any particular transgression committed by Stephen; rather, it was just his natural tendency to distrust other people. This was particularly true after he had spent years establishing his business, Kingsley Enterprises, and amassing a significant amount of money. However, his cautious temperament had been cultivated for a very long time before he achieved success.
The day when Lorraine, Margaret’s mother, abandoned their family and never came back was the beginning of Robert’s mistrust of other people.
Not even a few decades later, Margaret was able to recollect that particular incident with a surprising clarity.
The memory was seared into her consciousness, even though she had only been five years old at the time. It was the continual disagreements that occurred between her parents, the rising voices that occurred behind closed doors, and the heavy strain that appeared to pervade their house together.
The door was slammed shut and Lorraine had left the house one evening, following yet another argument that had been going on. Her return had not been made.
Over the course of that time period, Robert had been working three different jobs in order to ensure that they had a place to live. Years would pass before the establishment of the business that would one day bring him enormous fortune and a high level of respect. In spite of the fact that those early days were difficult, Robert had persisted and was able to raise Margaret on his own without get any assistance from Lorraine.
Over the course of time, Robert eventually learned to accept Stephen and even developed a profound regard for him. This regard had been solidified by a specific event: Robert had extended an offer of employment to Stephen at Kingsley Enterprises; however, Stephen had graciously refused the offer, opting instead to follow his own professional path in an area that he was enthusiastic about.
This independence and desire was something that Robert admired. On the other hand, Margaret did work for the firm that her father owned, but she did so not just because she was his daughter but because she had established herself as a worthy candidate for the position. Robert was aware of the effort that she put out.
While Margaret was traveling home from the workplace that day, she was contemplating the supper that she would cook and the manner in which she would tell Stephen about the events that transpired over the prior day. On the other hand, when she approached her front door, she saw something peculiar: a little yellow post-it note that was affixed to it.
Please give me a call. Love to you, Mom.
Below it, a phone number was scribbled in graffiti.
Margaret became completely numb. It had been decades since her mother had made any kind of contact with her, not even when she was getting married, not even for birthdays, not even for graduations. Why at this time? Following all of these years, what could possibly be on Lorraine’s wish list? Was she in a precarious situation? Was she in need of financial assistance? There were a lot of questions running through Margaret’s head, but she was aware that she wouldn’t have any answers until she made the phone call.
As a result, she did.
“Hello, my sweetheart!” When Margaret entered the café where they had planned to meet the next day, Lorraine let out a jubilant exclamation.
There was some reluctance on Margaret’s part before she dialed the number, but her curiosity caused her to overcome her qualms. While she was seated opposite this lady, she had a sense of unease. Although Lorraine was her mother in a legal sense, she was a complete and utter stranger to her in every significant aspect.
“Hello… Mom,” Margaret spoke out in a clumsy manner as she took her seat.
“It is quite OK if you do not feel comfortable referring to me in that manner. “For the time being, you can simply refer to me as Lorraine,” the more experienced lady replied with a kind grin, indicating for Margaret to take a seat. “I am grateful that you have called me back. I had been waiting with bated breath to see you again.
The response that Margaret gave was, “Let’s get to the point, Lorraine,” and her tone was abrupt. You contacted me for what reason? When I visited you for the last time, I was only five years old. You want what, don’t you?
The words “I wanted to tell you the truth about what happened” were said by Lorraine as she folded her hands on the table behind her. The whole thing was your father’s doing…
The assertion was made by Lorraine that she had attempted to see Margaret a few years after she had left, but Robert had refused to allow her to do so. According to her, he advised her to refrain from approaching because he thought it would be beneficial for Margaret. It was her assertion that he had shown an unreasonable level of control. Despite the fact that she stated she had honored his choice at the time, she never stopped thinking about her daughter. Recently, she had been successful in locating Margaret’s address, and she made the decision to get in touch with her.
Margaret expressed her unequivocal mistrust by saying, “I don’t understand.” If you were really interested in locating me, you had a ton of opportunity to do so over the course of the years. Why at this time? Is there a need for money?
In a prompt response, Lorraine said, “No, without a doubt not.” As of right now, I am married to a rich guy. Look at this: I’m paying for lunch today. Your father’s money and your own money are completely irrelevant to me. I have just… I’ve come to the realization that there are things in life that really matter, and it’s not too late to put things right. In any case, I really hope that it is not too late.”
Margaret took a considerable amount of time to pause before responding. “No… It is not too late to do so. You should tell me about yourself.
From that point on, the talk moved on to more lighthearted subjects. They conversed for a considerable amount of time, and Lorraine placed an extensive order, which included appetizers, main courses, desserts, and even the most costly wine on the menu. While Margaret was keeping a close eye on her, she made the observation that Lorraine was doing a convincing job of pretending that she did not need financial assistance.
On the other hand, Margaret’s feelings reached a boiling point when the meal was done and she drove away. According to Lorraine, if what she described was accurate, then her father had kept them apart for a number of years. It was easy for her to comprehend his protective behavior toward her while she was a youngster; nevertheless, when she reached the age of maturity, she ought to have been the one to make that choice.
She did not visit her own home but instead drove directly to Robert’s residence.
“How could you keep her away from me for all these years, Dad?” she asked as soon as she walked into the house. “I could not have imagined it.” That was not a fair thing! To make apologies, she wanted to do so. To determine whether or not to see her was a decision that should have been made by me. We wasted a great deal of time!
“No, Margaret, she did not,” Robert said in a strong tone. You are being deceived by her.
Not at all, you are lying!
A deep breath was expelled by Robert, who then placed his hands on his hips. “Come with me, even though I didn’t want to be forced to do this,” she said.
He took her to his office, sat down at his desk, and started browsing through some files on his computer. He then invited her to join him.
What exactly is this? The question was posed by Margaret as she wiped away the tears that had already started to form.
The words “I’ve been protecting you from this for years” were said in a low voice by Robert. And yet, you are correct. At this point in your life, you are mature enough to understand the reality.
He started playing a video file. The scene depicted a much younger version of Robert and Lorraine, who were embroiled in a fierce dispute while standing in their previous living room. Margaret was a teenager at the time the film was taken, which occurred in the middle of the 2000s. The tone of Lorraine’s speech was abrasive and cutting as she threatened to take Margaret away from him via the legal system. In the end, Robert presented her with a large sum of money. An instantaneous change occurred in Lorraine’s facial expression; she grinned with a smug appearance of contentment before leaving the room.
The day was different, but the pattern was the same. Robert clicked on another video. After arriving, Lorraine would quarrel, threaten, and then receive money before departing.
The explanation that Robert provided was, “I did not record the first time she did this.” However, following the advice of my attorney, I decided to install surveillance cameras in the home in the event that she returned. She never failed to return. In every instance, it was all about the money.
Margaret peered at the TV, attempting to make sense of the appearance of her mother in comparison to the lady with whom she had just finished eating lunch.
But what if she has really undergone a change? The question was posed by Margaret. The fact that she paid for lunch suggests that it is possible that she is now married to a rich individual.
The look on Robert’s face changed to one of pity. This video was shot the day before yesterday, sweetheart. I’m going to presume that she left the letter for you shortly after this.”
On the screen, Lorraine was making another visit to Robert’s house, this time demanding money. She was dressed in the exact same attire that she had worn the day before.
Why, therefore, would you offer her anything? Nowadays, I am a grownup. She has no power to take me away.”
“I did not want her to be a source of contention in either your life or Stephen’s life. You should avoid her, Margaret. I wanted her to go, and if it meant that it was the only way to ensure your safety, I would have continued to pay her. Despite the fact that his speech was solid, the love that was in his eyes was evident.
Margaret’s fury started to dissipate, and it was replaced by a profound and excruciating comprehension. “No, Dad,” she said. This is no longer the case. I’ll take care of it.”
After a period of two days, Margaret contacted Lorraine.
I adore you! It’s wonderful to hear from you again,” Lorraine added with a kind tone. Recently, I had a wonderful time during our lunch. You have given what I said any mind, have you? Are you willing to offer me forgiveness?
With a calm tone, Margaret said, “Of course, Mom.” As soon as Lorraine heard the word “Mom,” her face lighted up with excitement.
It fills me with joy to hear that!
On the other hand, Margaret said, “I am paying for lunch today.” What you want to order is completely up to you.
There was no hesitation by Lorraine. Lobster, caviar, a variety of appetizers, decadent desserts, and two bottles of the most costly wine on the menu were among the items that she placed an order for. Lorraine was fully aware that Margaret was employed by Kingsley Enterprises, and Margaret was aware of this fact.
Lorraine excused herself to go the toilet two hours later, after they had consumed almost everything that was available to them. “Honey, I’ll be right back,” she said. It is up to you to place the order for the check, and after that, perhaps we can do something enjoyable together.
She gave a little nod. In addition to placing a post-it note on top of the check, she then presented it to the server after placing her order.
It was then that she informed him, “She will take care of it when she comes back.”
After Lorraine had returned, she was the first to see the message, followed by the bill.
I had a good time during lunch, you shrew. How difficult is it to pay for it?
Her jaw dropped wide as she stared around the restaurant in a wildly erratic manner.
It was the last time Margaret ever saw her mother. After some time had passed, she learned from a person they both knew that Lorraine had made a tremendous commotion when she discovered that she was unable to pay her payment.
